Take-up device for flexible conductors



Jan. 9, 1934.

A. M KESSON TAKE-UP DEVICE-.FOR FLEXIBLE CONDUCTORS Filed Oct. 20, 1933 llllllllll ll ill}? a Patented Jan. 9, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE,

TAKE-UP DEVICE FOR FLEXIBLE CONDUCTORS This invention relates to take-up devices for use in connection with electric appliances for taking up the slack in the electric flexible conductors when such appliances are in use.

Electric appliances such as irons and hand tools are provided with flexible conductors or cords of sufficient length to permit free movement of the appliance over the work or to its different points of application. The slack in the cord is frequently a source of annoyance to the operator because it permits the cord to drag along the working surface, thereby interfering with the work and sometimes damaging the cord.

The main objects of this invention are to provide an improved take-up device which will position the cord at the desired distance from the work and which will not interfere with the operation of the appliance; to provide a take-up device having an improved form of spring for guiding the cord and for taking up the slack; to provide improved means for securing said spring to an electric plug for attachment to the appliance; to provide an improved form of bracket for supporting said spring; to provide improved clamping means on said bracket for attachment to an ironing board or other working surface; to provide improved means for connecting said spring to said bracket to permit swiveling of the spring; and to provide a bracket of this kind which is collapsible so as to be adapted to lie fiat against the board when not in use.

An illustrative embodiment of this invention is shown in the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device, and showing an electric iron and board in dotted outline.

Figure 2 is an enlarged detail of the clamp for securing the bracket to the board.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary section of the device.

In the construction herein shown, the improved take-up device is attached to an ironing board 1 for use in connection with a flexible cord or conductor 2 having a plug 3 at one end for attachment to the customary socket, and having a plug 4 at its other end for attachment to an electric iron 5.

In the form illustrated, the take-up device comprises a bracket 6, on which is swiveled a bearing '7 secured to one end of a coil spring 8 through which the cord 2 rides.

The bracket 6 is preferably in the form of a rod having a portion at its lower end bent at right angles to itself to provide a hinge pin 9 which is journaled in a curled portion 10 of a clamp 11 which is adapted to embrace one edge 12 of the ironing board to which the clamp is secured by a suitable bolt 13. The edge 12 to which the clamp is secured is preferably the far edge of the board, 1. e., the edge opposite the side at which the operator stands.

This hinge connection between'the bracket and the clamp permits the bracket to be lowered into contact with the board when not in use as shown in dotted outline in Figures 1 and 2. It is also to be noted that in this improved construction, the axis of the hinge pin 9 is disposed longitudinally of the ironing board and, therefore, when the bracket is to be lowered, it must be lowered at substantially right angles to the direction of- This bearing 7 has a central bore 16 through which the cord slides, and one end of this bore has a flared throat 17 to prevent chaf ng of the cord. The opposite end of the bore forms a seat for one extremity of the coil spring 8. The coil spring 8 is preferably soldered to the bearing '7.

Mounted on the outer end of the coil spring, 8, is a somewhat stiffer coil spring 18 of the type which is usually mounted on electric iron plugs. The two coil springs are connected together by a sheet metal collar 19 having portions thereof struck inwardly to form lugs 20 which project between adjacent coils of the-springs to secure the springs against withdrawal from the collar.

In operation, when the iron is moved back and forth over the board, the spring 8 is extended. and retracted to take care of the slack in the cord, thereby preventing the cord from touchin the working surface. a

When the work is completed, the pin 15 of the plug '7 is withdrawn from the socket 14, and the bracket 6 may then be pressed downwardly so as to lie fiat against the board.

Although but one specific embodiment of this invention has been herein shown and described it will be understood that certain details of the construction shown may be altered without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.

2. In a device of the class described, the combination with a work surface, a clamp embracing one edge of said work surface, a bracket hinged on said clamp with the axis of the hinge disposed longitudinally of said one edge, a bearing swiveled on the upper edge of said bracket, a coil spring having one end secured to said bearing, a flexible conductor extending through said spring, and a plug secured to said conductor and to the other end of said spring.

ALBERT McKESSON. 

